From Cotton-Eyed Joe to Diplo: Why Country Music’s Next Chapter May Involve Turntables

While there has been a steady rise in traditional-leaning country music — complete with fiddles and steel guitars — another trend is picking up steam in Nashville.

Country music seems to be flirting with electronic dance music.

What Is Country Electronic Dance Music?

While a complete undoing of “three chords and the truth” could never happen (fingers crossed), the genre is experimenting with different sounds, and it’s not a new concept.

There are people who claim country music has crossed into pop over the years, and of course, some artists have played around with other styles, like trap beats. We’re looking at you, Morgan Wallen.

But a new experiment appears to be emerging, and it’s allowing another genre to capitalize on country’s current popularity in pop culture.

Electronic dance music DJs are adjusting their faders to favor cowboys and cowgirls. The last few years of Stagecoach have been a prime example, with DJ and producer Diplo hosting his own Honky Tonk stage featuring several of his turntable friends.

And they weren’t just playing their own music — these artists were remixing country songs and adding them to their sets.

Country Music’s History With Electronic Dance Music

You can chalk this up as a one-off or simply something done at a festival to shake things up, but country music is no stranger to dance music — and vice versa.

Country In Da Club: Remember Reba McEntire’s Dance Hit?

In 1994, the Rednex took a folk song from the 1920s and turned it into one of the catchiest dance songs on the planet. “Cotton-Eyed Joe” became a cultural phenomenon — one that still, as the kids say, slaps.

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and you’ll find country songs remixed to fit into the EDM world of crowded clubs and festivals. A handful of producers have even stepped onto Nashville soil.

Most notably is Diplo, who released an entire country album under his legal name, Thomas Wesley. His 2020 project Chapter 1: Snake Oil marked his official foray into country music. The collection featured collaborations with Wallen, Thomas Rhett, Zac Brown and more.

Others who have tapped into their country side include Avicii with “Hey Brother,” and Tiësto, who worked with Alana Springsteen on “Hot Honey.” Marshmello is also a frequent country collaborator, working with Kane Brown on “Miles On It” and Thomas Rhett on “Where We Go.”

Then there’s the duo Two Friends, who recently created a dance track with Dustin Lynch called “Save a Little Love.” The pair are also curating a one-day country-EDM festival in Nashville this December called Big Boots Land.

Will Country EDM Become a New Genre?

The short answer is no. Both genres are unique in what they bring to the table. You’ll never replace the honest storytelling that makes country music so compelling, and quite frankly, dance music can do-si-do with just about any other format if it wants to.

But just like rock, hip-hop and pop artists trying their hand at country music, this crossover can only help spread the country music gospel. And for someone who loves the genre and occasionally dabbles in EDM, it’s a pretty great combination.

Like bourbon and sweet tea — it’s not your daily drinker, but it sure hits the spot every once in a while.